Minister of Health, Social Security (National Insurance Scheme), the Environment and Ecclesiastical Affairs Ann David-Antoine and Minister of Education and Labour Claris Charles met with the National Insurance Board, in keeping with a directive from Cabinet regarding concerns about displaced workers. Cabinet is concerned about workers who already face the psychological trauma of Hurricane Ivan, along with damages to their homes and properties, and also have to endure the loss of their jobs and incomes. Minister David-Antoine, Minister Charles and Minister Einstein Louison were delegated to look into the issue. However, Minister Louison was out of State at the time of the meeting. At the meeting, which was held on November 4 at the NIS Office, NIS Director Ashton Frame informed the Ministers that a survey has been initiated in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance Central Statistics Office to determine the kind of assistance required for displaced workers, for which data collection and assessment is ongoing. In related matters, an initiative to provide the Board with technical advice was discussed, as well as the possibility of transferring money to an Unemployment Benefit Insurance Scheme, since no unemployment benefits exist. In this regard, consideration is being given to using the Barbados Unemployment Insurance Regulations as a model. Any changes regarding unemployment benefits would require appropriate legislation. SOURCE: GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE